SolveYourProblem eLearning Series:
Please Help Me Sleep Better At Night!
Natural Sleep Remedies
( 22 pages )

Herbs To Help Insomnia

California poppy

California poppy (Eschscholtzia californica) contains the compound protopine, which has been described to be similar in effect to a lighter version of morphine.

Unlike its cousin, the Opium poppy, this flower does not contain the narcotic morphine, though its structure is similar.

Because of this, the California poppy does not have any of the addictive properties of its narcotic relative.

Due to the fact that there have been very few clinical studies of the effects of the California poppy, dosage guidelines have not been established.

Hops

Hops (Humulus lupulus) are fruit (or strobiles) of a member of the cannabis family native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Hops are widely grown in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and are a main ingredient in the flavoring of beer.

They are also commonly cultivated in Germany. Hops are typically used in conjunction with one of the above cited flowers and herbs.

It is commonly paired with chamomile, lavender or valerian, but also holds its own as a relaxing natural sedative. The dried strobiles, from which a tea can be made, are commonly available, as are tinctures, capsules, and tablets.

A very effective herbal sachet can be made incorporating hops as an ingredient.

To make one, use the same steps as used to construct the Lavender sachet demonstrated earlier in this book, but use the following as stuffing instead:

• 1/4 cup hops strobiles
• 1/8 cup chamomile flowers
• 1/8 cup lavender flowers

Sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil into the mixture before sewing it up for a wonderful aromatic sleepy time sachet. Place the sachet under your pillow for a night of soothing aromas.

Generally, no side effects or adverse drug interactions from the use of hops are generally reported, although some individuals have experienced a rare allergic reaction or contact dermatitis from the pollen crystals in the fruits (similar to the allergic reaction to lavender as covered in the lavender chapter).

Honey

Honey is said to have sleep inducing properties. Dark honey contains more antioxidants than light-colored honey. It can be used in herbal teas or mixed into warm milk.

Milk and Honey Sleep Remedy
Ingredients:
• 1 glass warm milk
• 1 drop vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon honey
Use this just before going to bed. Mix, then drink while it is still warm.

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